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Jotunn
87
Jun 26, 2018
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zekken
148
Jun 26, 2018
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JotunnI am not an expert in this area, but I will try to answer your questions:
1) If you connect the combo to the MBP using the USB, you only have to connect the headphones to the unit to get the sound.
2) I don't consider balanced sound to be better, rather than that I feel like the sound is different (my pov) and is up to you if you consider it better or not (also the difference depends on the headphones you are using). Even if you have the balanced rear input connected, you can choose the usb source as input (using the front input knob), but only one source at time.
3) That question I really don't know :S My guess will be to use a 3.5mm to RCA cable, to pair the DAC with an external amp.
4) The idea behind the SE pass is to connect it to another amp / connect it to your power monitors.
I do not own this dac/amp, so correct me if I am wrong.
Ying
1) If you connect the combo to the MBP using the USB, you only have to connect the headphones to the unit to get the sound.
2) I don't consider balanced sound to be better, rather than that I feel like the sound is different (my pov) and is up to you if you consider it better or not (also the difference depends on the headphones you are using). Even if you have the balanced rear input connected, you can choose the usb source as input (using the front input knob), but only one source at time.
3) That question I really don't know :S My guess will be to use a 3.5mm to RCA cable, to pair the DAC with an external amp.
4) The idea behind the SE pass is to connect it to another amp / connect it to your power monitors.
I do not own this dac/amp, so correct me if I am wrong.
Ying
mahee
337
Jun 27, 2018
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zekkenAgree with these
For #2, on the original Liquid Carbon, almost everyone posted that there isn't much of a difference between SE and Balanced inputs. Amp has phase splitter which splits the SE inputs into balanced configuration.
Since Massdrop LCX is essentially the same LC, there shouldn't be any difference in audio quality between SE and Balanced inputs on the back. I can't comment on how SDAC's output is phase split or how good it sounds compared to other inputs, but i'd imagine it will be close
For #2, on the original Liquid Carbon, almost everyone posted that there isn't much of a difference between SE and Balanced inputs. Amp has phase splitter which splits the SE inputs into balanced configuration.
Since Massdrop LCX is essentially the same LC, there shouldn't be any difference in audio quality between SE and Balanced inputs on the back. I can't comment on how SDAC's output is phase split or how good it sounds compared to other inputs, but i'd imagine it will be close
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Once I get the LCX+SDAC, my source (MPB) is fed to the micro-USB input of the DAC portion of the unit. My question is:
(1) Do I ALSO need to use a 3.5mm cable to the RCA input to get sound (In other words, MBP>USB & MPB>SE)? Or does the USB take care of everything without the need to use the SE input? My instincts tell me no because each input on the dial (I, II, & III) each correspond to a specific input, i.e. USB, balanced, and SE). Just want to make sure I have the right cable(s) ready to go for delivery day.
(2) Also, I know that to get the most out of this unit, the balanced OUTPUT is highly recommended, but what are the benefits to using balanced INPUTS on the back over the other inputs? Are the balanced inputs only there for those who wish to bypass the DAC and use the amp as a standalone? If there are any benefits to the balanced input, are there ways to utilize the DAC while still using the balanced inputs?
(3) What is the purpose of the "out" on the DAC side? Is this in order to bypass the LCX and use the DAC as a standalone?
(4) With all the bypassing going one, what is the SE Pass and who do you use it and in what situations would you want to?
I realize that I may be answering my own questions, but since I'm not 100% certain on any of these questions I'd love some input from the very knowledgeable MD community! Thanks everyone!